CHAPTER FOUR

The clock struck 10.a.m. and the four beat turtles silently made their way through the lair. Raphael took James's body to the small mediation room, which was littered with lit candles and had the gracious scene of flowers laced right round the room. Master splinter always had a thing for having the dim glow of candle light and the gentle scented smell of Lily flowers as he meditated. He said it helps to be more at peace with yourself.

The red clad ninja continued moving towards a white clothed rectangular table, and placed James to rest there for now. As Raph did this, Donatello made his way to his lab just on the other end of the seating area. Entering it with force, he spat out to Splinter,

"RAPH'S, BACK!"

And headed to his computer to check the girl's medical situation. As Donatello searched for the files, Master Splinter took a deep breath and limped towards the distressed turtle - asking a question.

"What is troubling you, my son? Aren't you glad your brother is alive and well?"

"Yes, of course I am, master, it's just."

Donnie stopped and thought about his words. He wanted to find the right one and after a minute he came to a decide on a line to sum up his meaning.

"Raph can be so inconsiderate, on times."

"And how have you come to make such an accusation against your brother?"

Calmly asked Splinter. Donnie shrugged and then told him about the disagreement they had - just under half hour ago. Splinter lowered his head in understanding and hugged Donatello.

"I will speak with Raphael,"

He whispered.

"But perhaps, you and he could come to an understanding later ... Hmm?"

Donatello smiled, letting go of his father, and bowed his head in response.

"Yes, Sensei."

Once Splinter left the lab, Donnie checked the girl's progress then pulled a chair up to the side of her bed and sat there in silence - maintaining a watch on her for a few minutes before he slowly found himself nodding off. His head gently lulled forward and soon, he had settled into the land of dreams.

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Lair, Seating area...

Master Splinter made his way past Michelangelo's room, but not before peeking his head in past the door to see if his lovable little scamp was okay. Mikey was more than okay, he was crashed out on his bed deep in some much need peaceful sleep. Splinter gave a soft smile and shook to his head at the snoring turtle muttering incoherent words under his sleep driven breath. A light laugh escaped the old rat as he slowly shut the door on his son after hearing the continuing repeat of the one word Dude be uttered more than 3 times already.

"Master Splinter!"

Leonardo shouted over to his Sensei, immediately getting his attention as the young one approached. The elderly rat stopped his tracks, with a loving smile.

"Leonardo, my son."

"Master, I want to apologise for the way I spoke to you earlier."

Leo hung his head down in shame, as he spoke this, only to have Master Splinter step forward; raising his frail paw gently to cup his sons face.

"No, My son,"

He hushed.

"I am the one who is sorry!"

Taking into an account that they were both as sorry as each other, they both fell forward into a gentle embrace of thanks and forgiveness.

"Thank you, Master."

Whispered the blue clad turtle. Splinter replied after sucking in a deep breath and spoke.

"Now my son, you go get some rest. Your sprite as well as your body is tired, I have much I need to discuss with, Raphael."

As they broke from their hug, that said turtle exited the meditation room and sighed at the loving sight of his Father and Brother together. He always felt the katana master was more loved than him and his other brothers, but he fought to not let it get to him. At a speed, Raphael began heading to his bedroom when his feet stopped dead at the sound of his Fathers call. It was as though he had stepped in super super glue.

"Raphael."

The tempered turtle slowly turned himself around after taking in a few deep breaths. Seeing Leo was gone and it was just him and his father, he felt his heart almost tremble but he wasn't sure if it was in a flutter of joy of another emotion; one that was not so nice. With his attention set to the floor and the look of distress on his face, the young turtle muttered.

"What is it now, Master Splinter?"

Splinter heard the pain seep out in Raph's voice, and he eyed his son worriedly.

"Raphael ... Follow me, my son."

He gently commanded and took lead. After a split intermission, Raphael followed his father into the meditation chamber. The mood was not set right. Splinter was still limping to the centre of the room when Raph looked over to James's lifeless body

"Can't this wait till later, Sensei?"

He asked, in a childish sounding moan, after he looked back to his Sensei.

"NO, Now kneel.... My son!"

Splinter demanded with a simple tap of his cane to the floor, indicating to Raph, where he wanted him to kneel. Raphael approached, slouched forward, and dropped to his knee's. He kept his head down so his Sensei would not see just how irritated he was. Though, his Sensei could feel it glowing off him.

"Raphael,"

Softly mused Splinter, placing his hand very affectionately upon his son's head.

"I know you are in a great deal of pain my son, the aura around is so strong, and if you hurt... we all hurt."

Raphael snorted, trying to over come the screaming desire to let himself cry.

"Yeah, RIGHT!"

He scoffed, only hearing Splinter gasped in slight shocked at the harsh grunt for his son

"IT'S TRUE, MY SON! The expressions on your brother's faces when they came home with out you, will be a look that will haunt me till the day I die, especially, young Leonardo's expression."

Raphael winced that useless but heartbreaking bit of information. He didn't want to know how badly he had caused upset between his brothers.

"Your brothers LOVE you Raphael , JUST as much as YOU LOVE them, which I know is a GREAT DEAL!"

Soothed his father. Feeling suffocated and hot, Raphael was staring to shake. His hands were trembling as were his legs. The sullen turtle was not able to bear much more of this talk from Master Splinter and so tried to stand with the intentions of leaving but he stood with a stumble of an uncontrollable feeling.

Master Splinter, instantly took to his son's side, hoping Raphael would not deny him the small gesture of helping him to his feet. The rat eased Raph out of the meditation room and overlooked the small nudge's his temperamental son was doing in an attempt to walk on his own and to get his father off him.

Raphael's stubborn behaviour always got the better of him, and Splinter knew that if he was to let go and stop supporting his son, Raphael would surely fall, and deep down, Raph knew that too but he didn't want to accept it!. His son muttered and snarled under his breath as they made their way to the seating area and towards the couches.

'What's going on with me?'

He thought.

'God; I can't control myself, why's my legs feeling like this! What the fuck!?!?!'

Confusion washed over the red clad turtle and he felt like his skin was on fire. Splinter and Raph took a seat at the couch and slowly Raphael was leaned forward, twitching his hands, and tapping his feet slightly in an anxious state. It was uncontrollable.

"Raphael!"

Splinter snapped.

"Calm yourself, my son!"

He tried to sooth his voice to perhaps calm the red clad turtle, but it was not working. Worrying deeply, Splinter watched his temperamental son set himself into the emotion repression stage. Raph fought hard in keeping his emotions in check and the only ones he was willing to show was, Hate, Anger, Animosity and the occasional general laugh with out added sarcasm.

Splinter feared the day Raphael would let his true emotions set free, for his son was not one who could control himself so well and always let his actions speak louder than words.

His Sensei had told him so many times to just allow his true feelings to show, but Raphael considered them weak and only on very rare occasions would he allow himself the emotional company with his family on happy events.

The two sat, side by side, and eventually, Splinter timidly placed his hand upon Raph's carapace and gently rubbed in small circles of comfort.

"Raphael,"

He said softly.

"What is the matter, young one?"

Raph remained stiff and leaning forward with his hands palming over his face as he spoke his problem and not really making full sense, even to himself.

"I'm sorry Master Splinter, I tried to save him! I did!.... But it wasn't enough!"

Anger finally took control of Raphael.

"I WASN'T ENOUGH!"

He roared out like some raging tiger and equipped his one remaining Sai with aggression before he smashing his fist through the coffee table causing a loud bang and stir within the atmosphere.

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Lair; Leonardo's Bedroom...

Leonardo's eyes jolted wide at the sound of the abrupt commotion coming from outside his room and his heart almost chocked him.

"Sensei!"

He gasped fearfully and bounced off his bed at a great speed to see what had happened.

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Lair, Seating area...

The young leader stopped dead by the railings - allowing him an over view of the seating area from the second level of the lair - and his eyes narrowing in shock when seeing Raph just standing there, gripping an excruciatingly tight hold of his Sai and hearing his breathing was frantic. He was looking highly unstable.

"Leonardo!"

A shaken old voice shouted out to the young leader.

"Get back in your room!"

Leo looked to Master Splinter and jumped down to the lower level - landing in a perfect silent crouch before straightening up - and slowly moving towards him while opening out his arms.

"Master Splinter,"

He questioned in utter turmoil as to what was happening.

"What's going on?"

As he walked by a stone pillar, his movement was stopped dead by a Sai becoming embedded into the wall at his head's height level just inch's away from him.

Leo looked to the crazed owner of the Sai and narrowing his eyes to his red clad brother; who in turn, had the look to kill in his eyes.

"WELL!?!?!"

Raph snarled, egging and pushing his big brother to bite.

"YOU HEARD HIM FEARLESS FUCKER!... GET OUT!"

The angered voice of the tempered ninja, echoed abruptly through out the seating area and soon vanished through out the lair. Leo held his narrow eyes and glared back, sick of the disrespect he got from Raphael.

"That's it, Raph!"

He sneered, advancing towards his little brother in an extremely hostile fashion. Leo tightened one hand into a fist, as Raph jumped forward and approached to meet him half way while grinning and clicking his knuckles with a challenging taunt.

"ABOUT TIME!"

Splinter immediately jumped in the way of Leonardo, intercepting and pushed him back, with a firm order.

"GET BACK TO YOU ROOM NOW, LEONARDO!"

Leo, eventually did what his Sensei ordered, and was soon out of sight - though the tension there was extremely high and so very thick. Raphael just stood there, as his breathing held frantic and his hands shook. His legs slowly began to feel as though they were going to give out from under him, and his adrenaline was at it's peek.

"Raphael, calm yourself now OR else!"

Splinter sounded firmly, looking at his red masked son.

"You will be spending some time in the brig if you keep this up!"

Raphael gave a quick nod with an unpleasant expression, being threatened with the brig was an instant checkmate to Raph, but only when Master Splinter said it.

The temperamental turtle hated the word and the room itself was worse. It was a four walled room, with one door, and the inside of the room was completely sealed in steel. Even the floor and the ceiling. The door was a 20 inch thick chuck of steel that held in its security 10 pad locks and 3 coded combinations that only Donatello and Master Splinter held the knowledge to.

It was his prison, and he HATED it!

Raphael stood still a moment, trying to calm and collect himself, but his legs nearly gave out from under him. He felt burning hot and weak. Splinter saw this, and was quick to ran to aide his son in getting Raphael to lean on him for support.

"My son, it's alright, it is okay..."

He soothed, trying to maintain a calmness to his slightly frightened tone of voice, though the young turtle was fighting his fathers help.

"No."

"Come now! I got you Raphael, lets take a seat here"

"Splinter..."

Whined Raph, almost as though he was in pain.

"Ssshhh, it's okay."

Softly hushed the elderly Sensei. The old rat was a little fearful now, he's never seen this nor heard this particular son cry out like that. Raphael whined, nearly braking into tears, but the whine, turned to a angering growl as he made himself not allow his weaker emotions beat him.

The old rat sat his son and himself down, and with out thinking or caring what Raphael would have wanted - Raph found himself suddenly wrapped up in Splinter's arms. The turtles eyes widened in shock but he could feel himself calm almost instantly.

Raphael was a secret turtle, what he showed he hated was in fact what he loved the most, but he'll be damned if he would ever let that get out.

"I tried, Master Splinter,"

Whispered Raph, so slowly and very hesitantly putting his arm's round Splinters with a slight squeeze. The elderly rats heart fluttered, having such a positive reaction from this son.

"Really, I did."

Softly sounded the distressed turtle.

"Shhh.. Calm, My son,"

The old rat remained beside Raphael, holding him and sounded a few hush's as he pulled him in closer - gently rocking him as if he was a 2-month-old baby.

"It is over now.. you did your best!"

He assured softly. Raphael found his fathers actions rather soothing and his anger was at level zero as he took in slow breaths - slyly resting his head against Splinters chest and listened to his fathers heart. It was an opportunity he was so very rarely given but it was one he wasn't so keen on taking. Raph's sly actions did not go unnoticed by his father, and Splinter very warmly smiled, but said not a word.

The old rat kept a firm hold of the teenage turtle and he kept Raph close up against his chest while he began to lull his temperamental son's old childhood song that he use too lull when he was merely a tot.

Raph found himself lightly smiling to the memory tune he had not heard in years, and he felt himself relaxing with the faintest of whispers escaping him.

"Father...I'm sorry."

Splinter continued to gently rock his child, with a soft replied under his breath.

"Hush.. My son, you get some rest now."

Continuing on with his soft humming, Raphael had thought to leave and go to his own room, but never had he got a chance to be in his fathers embrace like this. It was always Leonardo or Michelangelo believe it or not. Donnie, not so much, but even that brain box took in some beautiful father/son quiet time with the old rat from time to time.

Before Raphael knew what he was doing, his body had already made up his mind and he found himself slowly curling up to his father - feeling like a 6 year old turtle again. He felt safe as he listened to his fathers heart, and to the song he was humming. Raphael had completely relaxed and was slowly finding himself helplessly falling into a much needed deep sleep.

20 minuets had past since Raphael fell asleep and Splinter simply meditated with him asleep in his arms. He was gently, but slowly, placing his hand on Raph's face and scrolled down - repeating this motion while staring at him in his sleep. Suddenly, he was seeing a little baby turtle again, and what disturbed the elderly rat more so, was his son was looking lost and frightened. This was not like Raphael.

However, Splinter felt his heart warm having his temperamental son allow him to set himself like this within his father's embrace; it was a very rare thing for the young rebellious turtle and Splinter to spend any time together with out disagreeing. Through no fault of Splinters though, Raphael was just the secretive type and liked his own space.

Seconds later, Splinter's train of thought was disturbed.

"Master Splinter?"

Whispered his eldest son. Slowly, Leonardo made his way over to his Sensei and observed to Raphael was asleep. This scene even made Leonardo's serious hard faced expression filter. Taking in and letting out a slow deep breaths, the young leader questioned in a worried tone of voice.

"What's wrong with him, Sensei?"

He had to ask, knowing that the way Raphael kicked off earlier was so out of the norm to what he's normally like. This time, he really was scary to Leo, despite him wanting to get stuck in and lamp seven bells out of his little brother; he had a feeling that if they did collide, it would have been him on the floor spitting teeth and coughing up blood. The unstableness displayed, actually scared the leader, but there was no way he was going to back down. He couldn't allow himself too, even if there was no chance in winning, he would not back down and he'd win... somehow.

"Leonardo... your brother has been through an ordeal,"

Softly explained Master Splinter.

"He blames himself for that young man's death."

Sighing, the elderly male let a slow breath out and looked to Raphael's face. He stared a moment as he attentively traced his finger across the turtles muzzle and caressed it so nicely.

"I fear tonight's actions may have taken a big piece of your brother's heart."

Splinter calmly explained with a very soulful expression.

"He's finding things difficult to deal with, my son."

"Yes, but Master he has killed many ninja's before, as have we all and we have never thought about it after."

Reasoned his leader son. Splinter regarded Leonardo, giving him a small nod of his head and reminded him.

"Yes Leonardo, that is true, but they are ninja's, trained to kill... you are trained in the art of self defence as well as Ninjutsu and only if you have to, do you engage in such combat. The young man was none other than a civilian, which I am sad to say, died in Raphael's arms in a most horrible manner."

Splinter sighed, averting his sights to his troubled red clad sleeping son, while still gently stroking his face.

"In what I could understand from what you little brother was telling me, the young man pleaded for your brother to help him, but it was too late, Raphael could not help him, no one could have. However, Raphael will not accept that; in his heart he feels there could have been something he could have done. Your brother may show no emotion out loud, Leonardo, but deep inside he has the most dangerous emotion of all, and if he does not learn to deal with that, he himself will become an empty shell of his former self."

Gravely warned the elderly rat. Leonardo looked away from Splinter and Raphael; he deeply regretted what had happened between his brother and himself earlier and apologised meaningfully. The horrid things he's had in his head since have been chilling to think about.

"I'm Sorry Master, I shouldn't have tried going for Raph like that!"

Splinter hushed, soothing the situation.

"It's okay Leonardo, what we must do now is help support your brother. Remember, emotions bear the soul ... he must regain his mind with his sprite. However!"

Firmly spoke the elderly rat, making his point dead serious.

"I do not want you or your brothers leavening the lair until I give further notice! Understand?"

Leonardo placed his hand's to his side, with a respectful bow.

"Yes, Master Splinter."

Splinter smiled, and asking his conscious son if he could go and get some warm water and a cloth. Leo, obediently went and got it straight away. As he came back, he placed the bowl of water and himself to the side of Raphael and then dampened the cloth and slowly set about cleaning the bloodstains and black smoke marks off his brother's face.

When the damp cloth made contact, Raph flinched slightly and jolted awake - opening his eyes and pulling his head away from the wet touch.

"Wha.... Leo?!?!"

He snapped, half asleep and actually quite angry to be seeing that turtle right now.

"It's okay, Raph,"

Leonardo spoke softly, trying to calm and ease the tempered turtle while perhaps, call a truce.

"Sleep now little brother."

Raphael grit his teeth, slyly wanting Leo to just go away and leave him alone with his father! To Raph, it wasn't much to ask for a little time with Master Splinter with out his brothers getting in the way.

He had the strong exhort to push Leo's kind actions away, but he knew his father would frown upon that, so Raph held tight and slowly sunk his head back down on Splinters lap - faintly muttering words that was not quite understandable to the rat nor brother turtle.

"I --sa-- e--sa-"

Leo watched Raph drift back to sleep, with his incoherent muttering fading as he fell from the world of reality. The turtle leader looked to his bedroom and unintentionally gave a small yawn of his own and as he done so. Splinter, took the cloth out of Leonardo's hand and spoke.

"Go on, it's time you got some sleep too, Leonardo. You have had a night of torment and your sprite needs to rest, I will stay here with Raphael until he wakes."

Leo nodded, giving Raph one last worrying glance before he made his way to his bedroom in the hope of being able to get some sleep.

4 hours went by and Splinter too, had fallen to sleep, after many hours of meditation.

Raphael, slowly began to gain consciousness feeling more refreshed and revived after the little nap. He opened his eyes, realising where he was, while he looked up to see Master splinter asleep. A small smile came to his face eventually and a slow warm feeling burned up inside. Slowly and as carefully as possible, Raphael lifted Splinters arms from around him and placed them on his Sensei's lap.

The ninja turtle carefully sat up in the hopes of not waking the old rat. Successful, he leaned forward rubbing his head a little stressfully with his hands ahead of his attention being caught as he looked down to his right - seeing a bowl with blackish water in it.

A small flash of Leo flickered before him and then the fight they had almost had right in front of Master Splinter. In his haze of pent up rage, he had forgotten, but now, everything was clear.

Raph slowly shook his head, letting out a silent sigh, and started to think of a way he could possibly make it up to his family. The temperamental turtle felt like hitting something due to the way he acted towards Leo and Donnie; they were just as worried as Mikey, and he gave them the cold shoulder! Raphael mentally growled at himself, hating what he had done.

'MAN! YOU'RE SUCH AN IDIOT!'

The red clad turtle stood up and gave a small stretch, he felt a little better but he knew he'd feel better after he got all the black soot and stink of smoke off himself. Making a quick trip to the shower room, he came out smelling and looking fresh as a daisy!

Looking back to the sleeping Master Splinter and then to Donnie's lab, he remembered the woman. Pondering a moment before a confused debating expression came over him, Raphael soon found himself walking to the lab to see how she was.

"I don't care!"

He muttered, making his way towards the big metal doors of the lab.

"I'm only curious 'cuz James asked me ter look after her!"

Assuring himself on that notion, Raph slid the door open and made his way inside. As he turned to close the door, he caught site of Donnie sleeping in a chair next to the woman sleeping in bed.

The elder turtle continued closing the door and faintly smiled as he approached his sleeping sibling. Stopping by Donatello, Raph took in the sight of him a moment before he placed his hand on his shoulder. The action caused the pacifist to jerk and wake abruptly.

"Huh?... Wha....?"

"It's okay, Don... It's me."

Claimed Raph, quick in a whisper. Donatello rubbed his eyes with his hands before he eyed his red clad brother and sounded in an unkind grunt.

"Oh!.. and there's me thinking it was somebody important!"

The more aggressive turtle knew he deserved that. Raph took in another deep breath and began to rub the back of his neck, awkwardly, and wincing one eye he began to apologise.

"Yeah... Donnie, I'm.. I'm sorry for the way I snapped early. I, I was err.. being ah jerk."

Donatello stood up and laughed abruptly.

"HA! you can say that again!"

"Yeah, I realize now how much of a dick I was being towards you and well... I really am... sorry, Bro...can yer forgive me?"

Donnie regarded his red clad sibling, Raph normal done stuff like this but after the scare Donatello had that night of losing him for a few hours, he did not care how repetitive it was, as long as Raph was there to be Raph!

The red clad turtle could see his brothers face melt into a smile before he cooed.

"Aww! RAPH! C'mere,"

With out warning, Donatello reached out and yanked Raphael in for a hug.

"Of course I forgive you!"

Cooed the purple clad turtle. His brother flinched slightly at the little shock of his intimate actions and he felt a little uncomfortable - as he always did at these lovey-dovey scene's - however, Raph relaxed and hugged back. The two broke with kind smiles to one another and it was the eldest of the two that cleared his throat softly, before speaking.

"Thanks, Bro."

He whispered. Donnie smiled and gave Raph a playful sucker punch to the arm.

"Hey, don't mention it."

Raphael chuckled slightly and turned his attention to the young woman with the full glorious intentions of changing the subject and the slight awkwardness of the moment.

"So.. Err.. How's she doin'?"

He questioned, yet again, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck out of a very bad undetected nervous habit. Donnie turned to her, placing his hand on the young woman's forehead and making a serious expression as he explained.

"Well she's stable. I gave her a few pain killers and cleaned her up a bit and she has a few marks on her neck, but that is to be expected by the way Hun was holding her. All we have to do now, is well.... wait for her to come round."

Raph snorted, crossing his arms the way he does in his smooth moments.

"Yeah ... then the fun can begin ..."

Donatello's mouth formed a slight smile as he watched Raph think back on something's.

"Remember the first time April met us? she nearly screamed our lair down, not ter mention our head's off... Man, just thinking about it makes my ears hurt!"

"Yeah!"

Donnie laughed

"Your face was a picture, and Leo's face, aww man. I'll never forget that look for as long as I live... he can somehow, always manage to pull the most shocked or priceless expressions."

Raphael hummed a small grunt - continuing his staring at the girl - though his moment had not gone unnoticed .... Donatello had to do a double take in looking at his brother then to the woman and then back to his brother - seeing that Raphael was actually gazing at the young female. The purple clad ninja slyly regarded Raph after that, feeling a hindering smile play with his mouth.

The sly stare from Donnie, stirred Raphael's train of thought and as he felt his brothers gaze, he directed his eyes to him. Donatello's smile set to a cheesy grin, instantly having Raphael snarl while slouching his arms down to his side.

"What?!?!"

Donnie ridged his brow and followed through with a snigger.

"..Why'd you look at her like that for?..."

Folding his arms again, Raphael questioned, though his voice broke into a slight shrill.

"Like what?"

He quickly cleared his throat again and repeated in his usual gruff heavy tone.

"LIKE WHAT!"

Donatello chuckled behind his hand and offered a shrug, he had never seen his hot headed brother squirm like this before .... It was highly amusing.

"I don't know, just look the way you just did.... If that makes any sense?"

Raphael grit his teeth, setting upon Donatello in a hostile manner. Leaning forward slowly, he spoke his words of warning in a very real hellish tone.

"Listen pal, it's not like that.. What the fuck is ah matter with yer? Her boyfriend is laying dead in the other room, and your thinkin' I'm puttin' the moves on her!?! Well I'm not!"

Donnie shrugged and replied to Raph's overly high defence on a 'Harmless' subject - or so he claims - but loved the way his tough guy act was no way threatening at the precise moment in time. However, he thought he'd humour the easy enraged turtle.

"Okay Raph, I believe you."

The red clad turtles eyes widened not believing the sarcastic tone from his brother.

"YER BETTER!"

He barked, not seeing any fearful reaction from his pacifist brother whatsoever. Donnie lightly push Raph's shoulder, laughing.

"Take it easy bro, the way your handling this a turtle could get the feeling you like her?"

Raphael shook his head as he uncontrollably forced a laugh at his brother's words.

"Donnie, Yer fuckin' crazy!"

He concluded. Donatello though, simply chuckled, stopping Raphael in his hindering laughter and making him suddenly snap once more.

"You know somethin' Donnie, I don't have to stand here and listen to this!"

Raphael turned, abruptly, muttering under his breath and hearing Donatello called out.

"Where you going?"

Raph looked over his shoulder, with a sarcastic response.

"I'm gonna go make ya all dinner, happy!?!?"

He continued advancing towards the door and still feeling his brothers eyes following him. The purple clad turtle sniggered, smugly, seeing right through his brothers strange antics right now. It was utterly hilarious to the genius.

"That's right, walk away,"

Mocked Donnie.

"If it had been any other time, NOT! involving a girl, a girl in which you just looked at the way you did I might add.... You would never offer to make dinner."

Raphael's right eye twitched, involuntarily.

"I'll have you know, Donnie! I was gonna do Dinner anyway!"

Claimed the aroused temperamental turtle as he turned to face his Bo wielding brother, just before he opened the lab door.

"Come on, Don."

Snorted Raph, with a shrug of carelessness in his effort in trying to play it cool.

"Ya make me sound like some love sick puppy! Sorry bro, NOT, my style!!"

Donatello grinned, smugly, yet again. He knew something was up with his hot headed brother and it was overly funny seeing him like this. The aggressive red clad brothers hand tightened to a fist of warning at that expression of arrogance his little know it all brother was portraying

"Donnie, ya better wipe that fuckin' grin off yer face, bro!"

Growled Raph, really losing his cool now. Quickly, Donatello set sights to the girl - not needing to be told twice. He had already stepped over the line, and his danger senses were telling him to back off now.

The purple clad turtle set about tucking the blankets up to his patient and began making an innocent whistling noise. Raphael glanced to the girl and felt a strange feeling deep down, like a tickle feeling in the pit of his stomach, and suddenly, his face slowly formed a genuine smile.

"Her name's, Keya."

He unintentionally sounded that little piece of information to his brother, softly, like a dream. Donnie held a straight face and gave a nod of thanks for the information. He didn't dare to call Raph out on the way he sounded just then, or he could be in the bed next to Keya's, recovering from a possible coma Raph would surly put him in.

"Thanks, I can stop referring to her as 'the girl' now, hahaha..."

The two turtle brothers rumbled a soft sound of laughter, before Donatello continued what he was doing. Raphael regarded her just a few more seconds, before he left and with out even thinking - he mumbled under his breath.

"She is kinda cute.."

The red clad turtle left the lab all wide eyes and in a swift speed of shock as he realised what he just muttered. He slammed himself up against the lab doors after they closed and shook his head.

'WHAT THE HELL!.... CUTE!?!?!, oh my god, no!'

Raph rubbed his head as he quickly shook the thought off. Needing to set his mind to something else, he pushed himself off the door he was resting against and targeted the kitchen.

Perhaps he really will make dinner after all.

As Raphael made his way across the seating area, he looked to the couch seeing it was empty and Master Splinter was gone. The young turtle simply shrugged in concluding.

"Ah well, he must be in his room meditating or something...God knows I've given him enough to think about; stupid little prick that I am!"

The red clad turtle admitted that about himself with no hesitation in thought. When he reached the kitchen, the hot headed turtle looked through the cupboards, then fridge. Seeing only ingredients to make pizza, he rolled his eyes with an annoyed growl and sighed...

"Ahh Man... I'm getting sick of pizza, believe it or not!!"

Raph looked to the clock and noted the time.

"17:43."

He gave out a small moan and set to work on making pizza.

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Lair, Mikey's Bedroom...

The lovable baby turtle of the team was enjoying the sweet comforts of his bed. Sighing softly, he rolled over with a giggle as he came back from the land of dreams.

"Ahh... there's no place like ya very own bed!"

He sighed gently while hugging and burying his face deep into his plush pillow, and keeping Popo - his beloved piss take teddy turtle - in his arms. The orange clad turtle yawned, all carefree, until suddenly hearing a loud metal crash and the harsh abrupt growl of Raphael's loud cursing.

"AHH!! WHO THE FUCK!?!?!... THAT'S IT!! WHO THE FUCK STACKED THESE FUCKIN' METAL TRAYS HERE!?!?!?!"

Mikey jolted up right, nearly falling out of bed. The youngest sibling, out of pure fear and worry of both Raph being okay and having Raph kick the living day lights out of him, ran to see if Raph was alright; and the whole time, fearing how bad the situation was. He gulped the guilt ridden lump down in his throat.

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Lair, Kitchen/seating area...

"Uh-oh."

As he got to the kitchen door, Mikey set his eyes to Raph - who was on the floor - and was watching his brothers left hand rubbing his head while there was a rolling pin in his right hand. The young orange clad ninja uncontrollably cracked up laughing at the sight, due to his temperamental brother being covered in flour and holding a rolling pin and he pointed his finger while exclaiming.

"Hey, Raph, you look like the Pillsbury Doh boy!"

The youngest turtle immediately had a bad reaction from his brut of a brother, as Raph sneered wickedly, averting his eyes to Mikey's.

"IT WAS YOU!"

He snapped aggressively. The overly annoyed turtle sprung himself to his feet with a swift action - exploding a big flour cloud from his movement.

"Raphie, would like a word with you Mikey!"

Unpleasantly hissed Raph, while motioning his finger to his baby brother, calling him to him. Mikey's eyes widened as fear struck fast.

"Ra, Raph!"

Stammer the orange clad turtle, he stood there frozen to the spot and holding his hands up in front of his plastron in defence.

"Whoa! Raph, WAIT!"

He shrilled. Mikey looked in horror as his brother came charging at him full of rage and the look of death upon his expression, however, luckily a strong familiar voice called out.

"RAPHAEL!"

Raphael instantly stopped dead in his tracks - upon hearing his teachers voice - and he looked to see Master Splinter limping towards them, looking most unpleased. Mikey's heart was pounding a mile a second... he had never seen Raph's eyes so full of rage before. The little turtle instantly moved towards Master Splinter for protection and he shuffled behind his Sensei.

"That is enough."

Calmed Splinter. Mikey watched as his brother hung his head to the floor and slowly calming his breath back to normal, Raph gasped.

"I'm.. I'm sorry, Master Splinter."

"It was no me you were going to attack so savagely, Raphael."

Replied the rat Sensei. Raph nodded, understanding, and shamefully he flickered a glance at his baby brother.

"I'm sorry, Mikey."

He said, a little uncomfortably, as he rubbed his head. Michelangelo ridged his brow, a little freaked out seeing his brother so full of anger over something so small, but he couldn't be mad at him - though he did have sudden images of himself in pieces by now if it had not of been for the wonderful sound of his Fathers rescuing voice.

Mikey shrugged, coming from behind Splinter a little.

"Hey bro, no sweat!

He offered a cheery smile.

"I kinda pushed it a bit with the Pillsbury remark... sorry dude."

Raph and Mikey exchanged small smiles as if to say every things good in their silent way. After that, Raphael headed back into the kitchen with out dismissal. Splinter sighed and quickly took a hold of Mikey's hand before his carefree son decided to scamper off and he escorted Mikey over to the Donnie's lab.

"Come my son, I have much I need to discuses with you and your brother, Donatello."

He said calmly, in regards to the tempered red clad male.

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Lair, Kitchen...

Raphael had finished preparing the pizza, and had shoved it in the oven. As he waited for it to cook, he did the washing up and then sat at the kitchen table. Placing his elbows on the table, he lowered his head to his hands and was slowly rubbing his temples. The movement caused him give out a small moan of pain, as a headache began to settle in.

"Headache?"

Came a questionable nurturing voice. Raphael looked to see where the voice was coming from seeing Leonardo leaning against the door way. The red clad turtle gave out a whining grunt noise and continued rolling his fingers about his temples.

"Yeah... I just got clonked on the noggin."

He sneered but continued his hand movements. Leo moved forward and sat in the chair opposite Raph and after a moment, he looked to his feet, shifting them a bit and feeling the awkwardness settle thickly upon the two of them.

"You really scared us earlier."

Leo eventually whispered, slowly averting his eyes to his little brother.

"Aww... Leo, don't... not right now, alright!"

Raph moaned, gently stressing for some peace and quiet. The young leader leaned forward, still looking at his brother and not at any time going to give that tempered turtle what he wants. They needed to talk, and now was the time for it.

"Raph, Splinter's worried about you! I'm worried about you!... The way you lost it earlier was completely out of order!!"

He scolded. Raphael looked to Leonardo while placing his hands on the table and grinding his teeth.

"DON'T YOU THINK I KNOW THAT, LEO!?!?.."

He snarled.

"It just keeps going round and round in my head, the way I shouted at you! The things I did in front of Master Splinter."

Leo leaned back, folding his arm casually and looking almost smarmy in what he said next.

"Well if you know what you done was wrong, why do you keep doing it?"

"Yer lookin' fer ah smack!?!?"

Countered Raph. Leo held his hand up, with a wavering signal and snorted.

"Feeling brave are we?"

Immediately, Raphael took to his feet in acceptance to Leo's challenge, though Leonardo remained seated and merely softly shook his head.

"You will never learn."

Sneered the leader turtle. Raphael replied hostilely.

"Well come on then! Yer obviously in a sparing mood, so lets do it! lets go kick the fuckin' shit outta each other! but I'm warnin' yer big brother... I won't be playin'!"

His tone was ominous and it only got Leo to fold his arms with a calm long sigh, again, as he turned his sights away.

"I'm not gonna fight you, Raph."

Leo whispered.

"Figured!"

Grunted the red clad turtle, retaking his seat.

Thoughts ran through Leonardo's mind as to the way Raphael was so out of control in anger and he frowned in thought.

'This is so unlike Raph, He's a hot head, yeah, but never so out of control as this. Something's wrong with him, and I'm willing to place a bet that its not only the fact he couldn't save James.... there's more to this than meets the eye!'

Leo snapped from his thought and spoke in a soft hopeful voice, trying to calm his temperamental brother down.

"Look Raph, I don't wanna keep fighting with you every time we cross paths. I would like to, for just once, have a nice conversation with you. Just me and you, alone, having a nice chat. Is that too much to ask?"

Raphael snorted slyly, setting his attention to his brother.

"Raph, I know you hate me and--"

"What!"

The tempered turtles retort was swift as he uncontrollably slammed a fist down on the table, causing alarm in the leader.

"Leo, no, I don't hate you! when have I ever said I hate ya!?!?!"

"Well it sure feel's like it on time's, Raph."

Admitted the eldest brother. Raphael's anger drained almost instantly when seeing Leo's eyes slowly glaze with tears as he continued.

"I know I'm the leader, Raph, and I know you wanted to be it, but it's not all it's cracked up to be, trust me! Its fuckin' hard!"

"Hey, whoa.. Leo, come on bro, calm down."

With out even thinking, Raph's brotherly reaction instantly came out after seeing Leo slowly fall into a state of sob's. Raph found himself in a half hug to his leader brother for a small sign of comfort and reassurance.

"I try to be a good leader, Raph."

Leonardo honestly assured.

"I try to be a good brother, but it's... it's just so--"

"Hey!"

Demanded Raph, quick with a shake of his arm around Leo and jerking the sobbing turtles self.

"Enough! Yer hear me?"

Leo shut his eyes with a quick nod, trying to stop himself from the uncontrollable out burst of emotion. Raph sighed, deeply, he was already feeling overly responsible for his brothers upset and it actually sickened him, but he never wanted to see this.

"Look, Leo."

He paused, with a breath. Leonardo caught Raph swallowing as though he had a brick in his throat, especially, when his red clad brother shut his eyes and spoke.

"I know I can be a bit testin' on times, especially towards ya,"

He said kindly, regarding his leader.

"But it don't mean I hate you. You're ma bro, ma big bro,"

Snorted Raph, quirking a slight smile as he explained more.

"I know you love me an all that, I mean hey, you have saved me more times than Mikey's ate pizza,"

Leo chuckled slightly at that example,

"Same as Donnie and Mikey, ya ah good leader Leo, and a good brother."

"But?"

Chuckled Leo, wiping his remaining lone tear and knowing his hot headed brother well enough to know there's a but in there, somewhere. Raph thought a second, pursuing his mouth together and looking up before setting his sights back to his brother and giving Leo a small nudge, with a grin on his muzzle.

"But nothin', I mean what I say.... I mean sure, ya got ya faults, but then, who doesn't?"

Leonardo smiled at Raph's attempt of comfort, but strangely liked his way of trying to say he loved him. Leo knew Raph didn't say it in so many words, but he could see the love was there.

"Thanks, Raph."

Whispered the leader turtle, actually feeling better after his little cry there and the closest thing to a hearts-to-hearts chat with his rebellious sibling. The red clad ninja gave a small nod, removing his arm from around his older sibling, and retook his seat.

"Hey, I'm ya brother Leo, no matter what we throw at each other, we're always gonna be bro's."

Leo grinned, liking the sound of that. He held his hand out - balled in a soft fist - with a nod of his head for encouragement as he gentle announced.

"Bros till the end."

Raphael fist-bumped Leo's fist with his and finished their little pack promise.

"An Forever... yer loser."

A soft rumble of laughter sounded at the seriousness but playful response of the red clad turtle. Leonardo leaned back, folding his arms and feeling so much better. Raph questioned with a hindering smile.

"Ya k' now, bro?"

"Yeah, I'm good thanks."

Leonardo looked to the oven, smelling the air.

"Mmmm.."

He sighed.

"That pizza smell's about done, should I dish it up?"

Raphael replied in a sarcastic tone, getting to his feet.

"What? and let you get all the glory of cookin' it too?"

Leo nodded, slowly smiling and mulling over that idea.

"Well if it's any good, yeah."

The two brothers laughed, and the sound was like gentle music to their father's ears as he, Donatello and Michelangelo, entered the kitchen.

"AWWWWW YES!!! PIZZA DUDES!!!!"

Exclaimed the orange clad turtle, excited as per-usual on the sensational hot melted doe base of cheese, tomatoes and other various toppings. They all took their chairs, around the table, as Raph began to serve it up; talking as he did;

"Yeah I err.. Wanted to make it up to you all, for the way I was last night, you know, the whole nearly diein' thing and puttin' you all through hell, and--"

"WE know, Bro, it's k!"

Laughed Mikey, interrupting and really wanting to forget all that.

"An with a pizza looking this good, you gotta mean it!"

He said, giving the whole family a big cheesy grin before digging into his share of the pizza. Raphael rolled his eyes and softly shook his head with a small smile at his baby brothers playful banter.

He took a seat, and the whole family begin to eat - talking and joking as one family would at such times.